Tire mold and tire with internal grooves in tire tread

Abstract

A tire mold is described that includes a plurality of tread molding segments having an inner surface for molding the tire tread. The mold further includes a plurality of sidewall plates having an inner surface for molding the tire sidewall. The tread mold segments together with the sidewalls cooperate to form a tire molding cavity. The sidewall plate further comprises a slot that extends from the outer surface of the tread segment to the inner mold surface, and has a pin extending from the outer surface of the tread segment. The pin is mounted to a rotatable body which can swivel. The rotatable body further comprises a guide pin which cooperates with a working member to rotate the body into a desired position in order to position the pin in the tire tread to be molded. The working member actuates the rotatable body into various positions.

1. A tire mold comprising: a plurality of tread molding segments having an inner surface for molding the tire tread, and a plurality of sidewall plates having an inner surface for molding the tire sidewall, wherein the tread molding segments together with the sidewall plates cooperate to form a tire molding cavity; wherein at least one of said tread molding segments further comprises a slot that extends from an outer surface of the tread molding segment to the inner mold surface, a groove forming apparatus is positioned within the slot and having an outer housing, a rotatable body is received within said outer housing, said rotatable body having a pin connected thereto, said pin extending into the molding cavity. 
     
     
       2. The mold of  claim 1  wherein said mold further comprises actuating means for actuating said pin when said mold is closed. 
     
     
       3. A groove forming apparatus comprising: a cylindrical housing having a longitudinal slot; a rotatable member rotatably mounted within the housing, said rotatable member having a knob positionable within the longitudinal slot, and having a pin extending from the rotatable member. 
     
     
       4. The groove forming apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising a first working member having an angular face, and a pin positioned within the longitudinal slot. 
     
     
       5. The groove forming apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a second working member made of silicone, wherein the second working member is positioned between the rotatable member and the first working member. 
     
     
       6. A groove forming apparatus comprising: a first cylindrical housing and a cylindrical sleeve connected thereto, said sleeve having a longitudinal slot; a rotatable member rotatably mounted within the sleeve, said rotatable member having an arm positionable within the longitudinal slot, and having a pin extending from the rotatable member. 
     
     
       7. The groove forming apparatus of  claim 6  further comprising a working member positioned within the sleeve and located adjacent said arm. 
     
     
       8. The groove forming apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the working member is made of silicone. 
     
     
       9. The groove forming apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the working member has a longitudinal slot.